Have You Ever
 

It's a new year, I figure it's as good a time as ever to clean out my closet (literally), simplify and donate a bunch of stuff that just isn't getting the proper use. Every time I do this, I swear I am not going to let things get junked up again, but invariably, within about 3-4 months I have the walk in closet, well..barely able to be walked in. So I repeat process.
The method to my madness is to pull everything out until it's completely empty, that way as I am re-organizing and putting all the crap back in, I can set the stuff aside that I want to donate. Typically about half way thru I look at the shit sitting everywhere and ask why I got myself into this mess and I tell myself a clean closet is over rated anyways. I don't feel like finishing.
So in the midst of me ho-humming about getting into this boring chore I am handed a very pleasant surprise, a hand written note from 2 of my friends. One of which died last year. I completely forgot about them leaving this note for me, and I also completely forgot that I kept it. At the time I don't know what would compel me to tuck it away, as it's just a silly scrawled "thank you bitch...blah blah" for me having let them both stay with me while they were in town from Cali. What seemed like a throwaway note, comes back to find me carrying so much more significance. My pouting went to grinning. No smiling. No laughing. I quickly thanked the powers that be for bringing me this blessing.

So I am curious, has anyone else received such fun and unexpected blessing like this? Reminders of ones long passed..stuff you didn't even realize you saved..well have you?

All the time. I'm a sucker for keeping things like xmas cards and even more especially those that people really personalize like those who include pics of their kids from year to year. Then out of a random day you stumble upon them and feel the need to look through them all to remind you of those people.
WG

I always keep all my cards and pictures and everything! I was a bit shocked when my grandmother kept sending me letter from Poland and I didnt receive her last one for valentines day.a month an a half later she past away.The day after, I had a plane to Poland to help my dad arrange the funeral, The valentines arrived that day. It may not be the same as what your talking about, but it's still something significant to hold close to you if the person ment alot to you.

LL I keep everything, so yes

I think that I only have cards from ex-girlfriends, so I try not to read them when I find them..

:(

And I liked your idea of cleaning out the closet at the beginning of the year, I think I'll do the same this weekend and donate some of the old stuff that I don't wear anymore..

:)

awww ... Thanks for sharing that LL.

geezz... looks like I've found same people as sentimental as I am.

I used to be a keeper of trashes that has some sentimental importance to me.

I've kept every birthday card, note, picture, thank you card, letter, etc for the last 8 or so years, and intend on continuing the habit.

The way I see it is that if someone took the time to write something for me, the least I can do is keep it. I make space for my other stupid shit that has zero Jeff-specific value (i.e.: DVDs, computer hardware, etc), so why wouldn't I make space for something that is only relevant to me?

And that was a nice post to read, Laura. The more I learn about you, the more I find appealing. :)